FLOOR HOCKEY
Basic Rules
-Play the puck or ball-not the opponent
-Sticks must be carried and used below the waist. NEVER raised above.
-Body checking is forbidden.
-Players should anticipate the movement of the puck or ball.
-Play is continuous. Players should be in constant movement.
Teams: The standard game is played with two teams of 6 players each. (Center, two forwards, two backs, and a goalie.
Play: The game begins with a bully at the center line and resumes there after a goal has been scored. A bully is when two opposing players face each other with their sticks on the floor. The players tap their sticks 3 times above the ball and then attempt to move the ball toward their opponent’s goal. The ball may not be caught or held in the hand, except by the goalie. It may be stopped (pawed) by the hand but cannot be passed or advanced by the hand. The goal area should not be more than five feet wide.
Periods: A regulation game consists of 3- 10 minute periods.
Goals: A goal is scored when a player hits, sweeps or pushes the ball into the net with his stick directly, or deflects it off of another player into the goal. A player may try to control the ball with their feet but cannot kick it into the goal. If the ball deflects off a defensive player into the goal, the goal will be allowed. If a defensive player shoots or kicks the ball into their own goal, the offensive team shall be awarded a goal. The ball may not be thrown into the goal to score.
Goalie: Only the goalie is permitted to catch the ball. It is recommended that they wear a glove. When the goalie catches or stops the ball, they must be given room to release it to one of their defensive teammates by hand or with the stick. The goalie should be instructed to stay on their feet to avoid being hit in the face by the ball. Leaving the crease is permitted at any time but the goalie loses privileges and can only play up to the center line.
Infractions and Penalties:
- Loss of possession is assessed for: catching or carrying the ball in the hand, except for the goalie... Offsides occurs when players are playing on the wrong side of the floor. Forwards stay on offensive side, backs and goalies stay on defensive side.
- Penalties: When a minor penalty is called, the offending player leaves the game for two minutes. An intentional infraction of the rules is a major penalty, in which the offending player leaves the game for four minutes.
- Calling penalties: Penalties should be called for any illegal use of the stick, any action not directed at the ball, or unnecessary roughness. Body contact is permitted only if the player is going for the ball; however intentional blocks as in football are penalties. Fighting is prohibited, and the offending players will be asked to leave the game or class.